Dartboard with dividing lattice



arch 4, 1967 E, HAECKER DARTBOARD WITH DIVIDING LATTICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Deo. 7, 1964 INVENTOR ERNEST HAECKER ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,309,091 DARTBOARD WITH DIVIDING LAITICE Ernest Haecker, 8014 Bridle Road, Philadelphia, Pa. 19111 Filed Dec. 7, 1964, Ser. No. 416,415 4 Claims. (Cl. 273-102) This invention relates to a dart board and cage. More particularly, it relates to a dart board having a tar'get section and a cage, spider, or area divider overlaying the face of said target section. Another aspect of this invention relates to the structure of the cage. Another aspect f this invention relates to a dart board having a target section with an overlaid cage and mounted in a base. Another aspect of this invention relates to a dart board having a target section with an overlaid cage, said cage being integral with a combined base and dartholder.

It is an object of this invention to provide a dart board.

Another object of this invention is to provide a dart board comprising a target section, a cage overlaying said target section face, said cage having an integral rim and hanger.

Another object of this invention is to provide a dart board having a target section, and a molded plastic integral cage, centering7 sleeve, rim, and hanger.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a dart board target section cage having ribs of triangular crosssection.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a dart board having a target section, a cage overlaying said target section, and a base into which said target section and cage are fitted.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a dart board having a target section, a cage overlaying said target section, and a combined base and dartholder integral with said cage.

Other aims and objects of this invention are made apparent in the following specification and claims, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front view of a dart board with the base thereof partly fragmented and partly in cross-section,

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2 2 of FIGURE l,

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1,

FIGURE 4 is a front view of another embodiment of a dart board,

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIGURE 4.

The invention is best initially described in connection with FIGURE 4, which illustrates a simpler embodiment of the invention. A further purpose and function of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 4 is discussed below. The dart board in this embodiment comprises two main sections. The target section is generally designated 20. As shown, the target section is a circular disk. A preferred structure of this disk is that it be constructed of tightly -spirally wound paper. Such a construction of a target section is in itself well known. Such target section disks are constructed by providing an elongated sheet of paper which has been rolled to form va tightly spirally wound roll. This roll is then cut or sliced into relatively thin segments transverse to the long axis of the roll. Each of the segments then becomes a target section in a dart board.

It is understood, however, that other target section structures may be used, thus, the target section 20 may be cork or wood, for example. However, the rolled paper structure is the preferred embodiment. It should be understood that there are many known suitable target section materials in the art. v

The face of the target section 20 is imprinted with any ICC suitable target markings. This imprinting may be done by silk screen, lithographing, stenciling, printing, hand painting, or in any other suitable manner. As illustrated in FIGURE 4, the imprinting takes the form of Arabic numerals from numeral 1 to numeral 20 which are printed near the circumference of the target section 20.

The second main part of the dart board as shown in FIGURE 4 is the cage or cage section 40. This cage 40 is a single unitary integral piece, but includes several separately describable elements.

An important aspect of the cage 40` is the plurality of radially extending ribs 0r arms 48. These arms 48 are preferably angularly equidistant and serve to structurally mark-olf various different scoring areas on the surface of target section 20. As illustrated, it is seen that a radial arm 48 separates each of the target face marking numerals, as have been described.

A plurality of concentric circular elements 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47 are provided. These concentric circular elements intersect and are integral with all those radial arms 48 which extend to or past them. The circular concentric elements serve to space, hold and stabilize the radial arms 48 in their predetermined positions, and also themselves make further demarkations between target areas on the target section 20.

The innermost concentric element 47, has a preferred additional function. The target section 20, when constructed of rolled paper, as has been described, generally is provided with a small central circular aperture. Preferably, the innermost concentric circular element 47 has a diameter approximately coinciding with that of this central aperture in the target section 20 and, in addition, is extended downwardly from its surface plane so as to form a short tube or sleeve. This tube or sleeve drops into the central aperture in the target section 20. The innermost concentric circular element 47 also, of course, serves as an inner terminus for at least some of the radial ar-ms 48. Other of the concentric elements, such as concentric element 46, as shown, may serve as an inner terminus for some of the radial arms 48.

The outermost termination of the radial arms 48 is at the rim 41. The rim 41 is, of course, also integral with and unitary with the other elements described. It is an important aspect of this invention that rim 41 extend downwardly from the surface plane of the overall array of ribs and concentric circular elements, so as to form a circumferential band or flange around the array and extending it downwardly therefrom. The structure of this rim 41 may be further understood by reference to FIGURE 2 wherein is illustrated a cage which is the equivalent of the cage illustrated in FIGURE 4 in all essentials. In FIGURE 2, rim 31 is shown extending downwardly from the plane of the array of arms 35 and concentric circular elements 32, 33, and 34.

Another integral unitary element of the cage 40' is the hanger 40a. A hanger hole 40b is provided through this hanger. The hanger 40a is unitary with the rim 41 and extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the ribs 48, but at a different level. The relationship of the hanger t0 the other elements of the cage is exemplified in the embodiment of FIGURE 2, where hanger 30a, having hanger hole 30b, is shown in cross-section.

Another `aspect of the cage 40 lies in the cross-sectional transverse configuration of the ribs 48 and the concentric circular elements such as 42. The transverse configuration of these elements is best shown in FIGURE 5 in which it is seen that circular element 45 is triangular in transverse cross-section, presenting a relatively sharp point in the directions from which thrown darts would corne.

Another aspect of the cage, particularly as it concerns its application to the target section 20, lies in the way it is affixed to the target section. A layer of adhesive 38 is applied to the innermost surface of the cage@k This adhesive, which usually is a liquid glue, holds the cage 40 to the target section 20.y

The cage `.Lttltincludiiig its various elements as described isl preferably die molded from synthetic plastic. A particularly suitable such plastic is polyethylene.

The structure that has been described differs in significant ways from ,previously known related structures. It has been found that if the cage comprises only'an array of ribs Land circular elements without therim, it lacks dimensional stability .and does not lay `neatly and uniformly over a target section face ywhere desired. The

provision of the rim 41 as an integral member completely provides the desired dimensional stability. From this flow .other advantages. In assembling the cage t` the target` section, it is only necessary to apply adhesive to the back of the cage, and lower yit into position byk visualy orientation using the innermost concentric circular element` 47 as a centering device over the iusual central aperture in the paper rolled target section lil, as has been described. The rim 41 tits over the outer edges of the target 20,/ and the two main elements are simply pressed together. The necessity of stapling or otherwise clipping down the cage at a plurality of points iseliminated. The necessity of individually aligning the ribs to properly delineate target areas is eliminated. The-necessity of providing `and separately assembling a rim which is necessary to retain the paper roll is eliminated. Of

course, lthe integral molding of the hanger eliminates;

a separate fabricating and assembling step.

It is apparent that Where the innermost concentric circular element 47 is extended into a sleeve, `as has been described, this sleeve is a self-centering device. Even without such a sleeve, the circular element 47may be visually or otherwise aligned with the central 'aperture in the paper roll, although this is not as preferable.

The provision of the trangular cross-section as shown in FIGURE 5 has unexpectedly beneci'al results. Heretofore7 dart yboards has generally used metal vwires for the cage. These wires have had round cross-sections. Darts that strike the metal wire may be deflected into one or thefother of the target areas, as is desired, 4but also from time-to-time tend to rebound from the target. Thisl damages the target point as wellas, of course, interfering -with the proper scoring of the dart game. It has been found 4that the present plastic array with the triangular cross-section of its frontwardly presentedy elements serves to decrease or eliminate the possibility of.

dart rebound and does eliminate damage to the dart point. A dart striking -a rib is deflected from its steeply inclined Wall and enters one or the other of the adjacent target areas.

FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, show another, embodiment of the dart board. In this embodiment, a two element dart board,` such as shown in FIGURE 4, is incorporatedias comprising part of a more complex over-all dart board. The dart board as shown in FIGURE 4 may thus be used itself as a completed product, or may be treated as a sub-combination of the dart board of FIGURES l, 2 and 3. In FIGURE l, the target section 20 is ,provided with a cage generally designated 30. The cage has aplurality of concentric circular elements 32, 33.,k 34, and a plurality of radially extendings ribs 35. A 'rim31 and a hanger 30a with hanger hole 30h are provided. They comments made in connection with the embodiment of FIGURE 4 apply equally to these features of the embodiment of FIGURES 1 and 2.

The twovelement cage and target assembly are combined with a base 10. As best shown in FIGURE 2, base 10 is a generally annular element which may have a circular aperture 14 of one diameter extending from oney side thereof and only partly through its thickness, and a second circular aperture 15 of smaller diameter extending from the other side of base 10 and intersecting aperture 14, and being concentricttherewith. This structure, in yeifect, provides a step on which target section 20 together with its cagey 30 may be rested. A small amount of adhesive on the step alongthe side of aperture 14 holds `the target in its base.

To accommodate the .hanger 30a and its hanger hole 30b,' an appropriate hanger hole recess 10b and 'a Abase hanger hole-10c are providedzin base 10.y The contiguration of this recess and hole are clearly shown' in FIG- URES 1 and 2, respectively;k The hanger 30a is inserted into the recess 10b just before the target 20 is seated on the step.4 The base hanger hole V10cis then automatically aligned with the hanger hole 30h.

Another aspect of the structure of -base 10 is best shownI in FIGURES l and 3. Aplurality ofdart-reccsses 10a are provided in the front 4surface of Vbase llaround the open central area. The Vconfiguration ofeach of these Vrecesses is such that a dart 12 may lbe placed in it with the darts orientation parallel to 4that' of the plane of the target face. Thus, a somewhat deeper part ofthe recessis provided to accommodate thefeathersof the dart. The point of the ldart 12 may stick into they material of the base to secure the dart in place. is clearly illustrated in FIGURESI and 3 in two different views.V It is `understood `that this configuration may vary.A

for the dart section 20. As has been explained, 'this target section 20is preferably a disk of rolled paper. This rdisk is both heavy andrelatively` expensive, but is used lae-4 cause itlprovides a -good impact surface. vBy `providing the relatively cheaper and lighter -foarnedplastic baseof the configuration best shown in FIGURE 2,'it is possibley to use a target section which is thinnerfand lighter than would otherwisebe available because of thefsupport given by the base. 20 is relatively thin comparedfto the full thickness of the er1-tire assembly. Note,\also the-central vaperture 20a in the rolled paper target 120, as has been described.

Another advantage of the vbase Vis that it provides a storage space for the darts. This space -is-available lboth during shipping and display for sale, and intermittently during use. Another advantage which flows from these. is that the dartboard as equipped with a'base 10 can make a self-sufficient package for shipping and display. It is, of course, preferable that some transparent yremovable sheet material be pla-ced over the front of the entire assembly.

The embodiment of FIGURES 1 3 can-be further modified by lmaking the base-integral with the cage Vand of the same plastic. Thus, the cage, rim, hanger, lbase andthe dartholding structure-of the base may be molded as in an injection molding machine, in one operation. In `this case, the-re is no separate base, and the integral base isa radially outward extension of rim 31.

tended perpendicularly to said plane to form a flange, said i Harige snuglysurrounding the circumference of said target. section disk, and said cage being afiixed to said target. section by a coating of adhesive on touching surfaces, and

The configuration ofthe recesses 10a.

FIGURE 2 illustrates how the target section (c) a base of foamed plastic, said base having an annular shape and a central aperture extending from one surface thereof only partly through said hase, and a concentric smaller diameter circular aperture extending from the other surface thereof and intersecting first circular aper ture to form a step, and said target section and cage being seated on said step and atixed thereto with adhesive.

2. A dart board as set forth in claim 1 wherein a hanger recess is provided in said base near said step, and said hanger is fitted into said hanger recess, and a base hanger hole is provided through said base at said hanger recess.

3. A dart board as set forth in claim 2 wherein a plurality of dart recesses are provided in said base, each of said dart recesses being conligured to accommodate a dart in an orientation parallel to said plane of said cage.

4. A dart board comprising (a) a relatively thin circular disk target section having a central aperture, and (b) a plastic cage comprising a plurality of radially extending arms, a plurality of concentric circular elements, a rim, each of said arms joined to said rim and at least one of said concentric circular elements, said concentric circular elements and said arms lying in a plane, said rim being extended perpendicularly to said plane to form a flange, said ange snugly surrounding the circumference of said target section disk, and said cage being affixed to said target section by a coating of adhesive on touching surfaces, and (c) a plastic base integral with said cage and extending radially outwardly therefrom, said base having an annular shape and having a plurality of dart recesses therein, each of said dart recesses being configured to accommodate a dart in an orientation parallel to said plane of said cage.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,210,149 8/1940 Levine et al 273-102 FOREIGN PATENTS 26,680 1911 Great Britain. 381,844 1932 Great Britain. 644,250 1950 Great Britain.

2o RCHARD C. PINKHAM, Prima/y Examiner.

M. R. PAGE, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A DART BOARD COMPRISING (A) A RELATIVELY THIN CIRCULAR DISK TARGET SECTION HAVING A CENTRAL APERTURE, AND (B) A CAGE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF RADIALLY EXTENDING ARMS, A PLURALITY OF CONCENTRIC CIRCULAR ELEMENTS, A RIM, EACH OF SAID ARMS JOINED TO SAID RIM AND AT LEAST ONE OF SAID CONCENTRIC CIRCULAR ELEMENTS, SAID CONCENTRIC CIRCULAR ELEMENTS AND SAID ARMS LYING IN A PLANE, SAID RIM BEING EXTENDED PERPENDICULARLY TO SAID PLANE TO FORM A FLANGE, SAID FLANGE SNUGLY SURROUNDING THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF SAID TARGET SECTION DISK, AND SAID CAGE BEING AFFIXED TO SAID TARGET SECTION BY A COATING OF ADHESIVE ON TOUCHING SURFACES, AND (C) A BASE OF FOAMED PLASTIC, SAID BASE HAVING AN ANNULAR SHAPE AND A CENTRAL APERTURE EXTENDING FROM ONE SURFACE THEREOF ONLY PARTLY THROUGH SAID BASE, AND A CONCENTRIC SMALLER DIAMETER CIRCULAR APERTURE EXTENDING FROM THE OTHER SURFACE THEREOF AND INTERSECTING FIRST CIRCULAR APERTURE TO FORM A STEP, AND SAID TARGET SECTION AND CAGE BEING SEATED ON SAID STEP AND AFFIXED THERETO WITH ADHESIVE. 